Up-to-date guide to social media video specs [2024 edition]

Staying ahead of social media’s ever-evolving video formats is a challenge that all social media managers require facing up. The capabilities and constraints of accessible video types are constantly shifting, but having an understanding of social media video specs can help ensure you make the most of your videos.

To maximize the impact of your video marketing efforts, it’s essential to use the correct video specifications for each social media platform.

In this article, we’ll provide you with the most up-to-date and optimal video specifications for each platform, giving you everything you need to succeed in your video marketing strategy.

Why using the correct social media video specs matters?

Video marketing has become an indispensable aspect of contemporary marketing strategies. As a result, 92% of marketers acknowledge the significance of video in their campaigns.

It’s evident that video is set to dominate the marketing world, spanning television, social media, websites, and digital entertainment platforms.

While experts suggest that social media video specs can vary slightly depending on the platform chosen, marketers need to recognize the significance of adhering to proper video specifications. Failing to do so may cause low engagement and view rates, hampering the success of your campaign.

You can easily elevate your marketing efforts and attain your business goals by leveraging the appropriate video format for your target platform.

Facebook video specs

Getting your video just right for optimal viewing on Facebook can be tricky!

With the different types of videos you can share, like in newsfeeds or a messenger inbox, each has its specific format- but don’t worry.

Nailing down the perfect delivery will help ensure whatever campaign goal you have achieved without technical hiccups.

So, dial it up correctly for maximum impact with our Facebook Video Specs!

Regular Facebook feed video specs

The Regular Feed View on Facebook refers to the most commonly shared videos that appear on a user’s feed. These videos can be in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Guidelines:

Recommended dimensions are 1280 x 720 for landscape and 720 x 1280 for portrait.
Supported aspect ratios are 16:9 (horizontal), 9:16 (full portrait), 2:3 (vertical), 4:5 (vertical), square (1:1).
Upload the highest-resolution video that meets the recommended file size and ratio limits. Note that mobile renders videos to the aspect ratio of 2:3.
Maximum file size is 10GB.
Recommended formats are MP4 and .MOV (list of all supported file formats)
Video length could be from 1 second to 240 minutes.
Maximum frames must be 30 fps.
Minimum width is 1200 pixels.

Facebook 360 video specs

Create captivating 360-degree videos to immerse your audience fully. Simply drag your finger to explore the complete surroundings.

Guidelines:

Resolution and aspect ratio are; Monoscopic:5120 x 2560 maximum, aspect ratio 2:1 and Stereoscopic: 5120 x 5120 maximum, aspect ratio 1:1.
Recommended formats are .MP4 and .MOV.
Maximum file size could be 10 GB.
Video length could be from 1 second to 30 minutes.
Video dimensions are 4096x 2048 pixels.
Maximum frame should be 30 fps.

Here’s how to upload a 360 video on Facebook.

What is 360 Video Metadata?

360 video metadata provides additional information about the video file that helps players display the video correctly, allowing viewers to look around in any direction.

It includes information about the camera placement, lens type, projection format, stitching information, and other necessary details.

Here’s how to upload a 360 video on Facebook.

Desktop News Feed ad video

The Facebook Desktop Newsfeed add video is just like Facebook videos. It appears on the user’s timeline and is available in landscape or square-style format.

Guidelines:

Maximum size should be 4GB.
Recommended formats are .MP4 and .MOV or GIF.
Length is 1-240 minutes.
Video Dimensions are 1080 x 1080.
Maximum frames are 30 fps.
Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (for desktop and mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only).
Character limits: 125 characters (for primary text), 27 characters (for headline & description).

Facebook carousel video ads

Facebook carousel video ads are 10 times more likely to be clicked compared to regular ads. They allow brands to showcase multiple images or videos with a CTA link and offer a unique scrolling style for increased brand consistency and content viewing.

Guidelines:

Recommended video file formats are .MP4, .MOV or GIF.
Video duration should be 1 second to 240 minutes.
The maximum file size for videos is 4GB.
Video Resolution should be at least 1080 x 1080 pixels.
The maximum frame rate for videos is 30fps.
The allowed aspect ratio for the video is 1:1, meaning that the video should be a perfect square.

Facebook collection video ads (for mobile)

Collection video ads are ideal for displaying products that come in multiple colors, such as clothing. These ads have been particularly useful for the retail sector.

Guidelines:

Recommended video resolution should be 1080×1080.
The square aspect ratio is 1:1.
Maximum video file size should be 4GB.
Recommended video formats are MP4, .MOV or GIF.
Maximum video length is 120 minutes.
Maximum video frames per second 30 fps.
Character limits:
- Primary text: 125 characters.
- Headline: 40 characters maximum.
- Landing page URL is required.

Facebook instant experience video (Formally Canvas)

When users engage with a Canvas ad, an autoplay video with similar specifications may begin playing within the ad.

Guidelines:

Minimum resolution of 720 pixels.
The portrait aspect ratio of 9:16 with pillar boxing for all other aspect ratios.
Maximum video file size of 4GB.
Recommended video formats are .MP4 and.MOV.
The maximum length of all video content must be 2 minutes combined.
Maximum of 30 frames per second.

Facebook slideshow video ad

Facebook’s Slideshow videos cater to advertisers targeting audiences with slower internet connections. They utilize a slideshow format of images or videos for the ad display.

Guidelines:

The recommended video size is 1080 x 1080.
The recommended formats for the video are .MP4 or .MPV.
The maximum file size for the video is 4 GB.
The recommended maximum length for the video is 15 seconds.
The recommended maximum frame rate for the video is 30fps.

Facebook stories

Facebook’s Stories feature is a fun and exciting way to share short-lived photo or video updates that vanish after 24 hours. Brands can also advertise through Stories ads that appear between user-generated content.

While most users may post spontaneous and casual Stories using their smartphone’s camera, the guidelines for this format remain consistent for both organic and paid content.

Guidelines:

Image:

Minimum width is 500 pixels.
Aspect ration is 9:16.
The maximum duration for the image is 6 seconds.
Maximum file size is 30 MB.
Supported image types are .jpg and .png.

Video:

The recommended video size is 1080 x 1080.
Maximum duration for the video is 15 seconds.
The maximum file size is 4 GB.
The minimum video width should be 500 pixels.
Supported video types are .mp4, .mov or GIF.

Facebook reels

Cross-posting your Instagram Reels to Facebook offers the convenience of expanding your video’s viewership and reach. This allows your content to appear organically in both feeds, but often receives priority placement on Facebook.

Guidelines:

Recommended video formats for upload are MP4 and MOV.

Videos must have a minimum frame rate of 24fps to 60fps.
The duration of the video should be between 3 seconds to 90 seconds.
There are no restrictions on the file size of the video.
The video resolution should be at least 540 x 960 (540p), with 1080×1920 or higher resolution recommended.
The allowed aspect ratio for the video is 9:16.

Instagram video specs

Instagram currently supports three video formats: square, vertical, and horizontal. While all three formats are allowed on the platform, a square video format is the most recommended for marketers as it is viewable on both desktop and mobile devices.

Square videos are also less likely to crowd the feed, unlike vertical videos which can take up more space. Let’s get right in!

In-feed video (landscape, square & vertical)

Instagram’s recent algorithm changes have made it more challenging for organic content to reach a broad audience. However, there are still opportunities to be seized on the platform, especially with the popularity of Instagram videos.

If you’re wondering about the ideal length and size of Instagram videos, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Guidelines:

Minimum resolution for all formats is 1080 x 1080 pixels.
Video length is 3 to 60 seconds.
Recommended horizontal pixel resolution is 1920.
Recommended frame rate is 23 to 60 frames per second (FPS).
Multiple aspect ratios are supported: landscape (16:9), square (1:1), and vertical (4:5).
Maximum file size for all formats is 4GB.
Recommended video formats are .MP4 and .MOV.

Character limits

Primary text recommendation: 125 characters.
Maximum number of hashtags: 30.

Instagram video ads specs

Did you know that Instagram advertising revenue has skyrocketed in recent years?

One of the reasons for this success is the seamless integration of video ads into the platform.

Thanks to Instagram’s consistent aspect ratio and feed specs, video ads blend in seamlessly with organic posts – making them more engaging and effective than ever before.

One of the key factors contributing to Instagram’s advertising success is the platform’s video ad aspect ratio.

Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram’s video ads are designed to seamlessly blend in with organic posts, thereby ensuring that they do not appear intrusive or disruptive to users.

Instagram video formats required are the same as Instagram Feed.

Carousel video ad

The small dots beneath an image on Instagram signify a carousel post, which is an ideal format for step-by-step tutorials or detailed posts that require 2-10 images or videos to explain a feature. By using carousel ads, businesses can showcase more of their products than they would be able to in a single image, making it an effective growth hack for Instagram marketing.

Guidelines:

Resolution for a carousel video ad 1080×1080, 1080×1350.
Maximum file size for an image is 4GB.
Recommended video formats are .MP4 and .MOV.
Maximum video length is 3 to 60 seconds.
2-10 videos/cards are allowed per ad on Instagram.

Instagram story ad specs (Ads and organic)

Engage your audience with Instagram Story – disappearing after 24 hours!

Utilizing video for Instagram stories can be tricky, but with a few tips you’ll be able to get the most out of your ad. For example, uploading in highest resolution is key and don’t forget about leaving some extra space at the top or bottom so nothing gets cut off.

Preparing with these details ensures that viewers see everything as intended on any device size – maximizing impactful viewing experience!

Guidelines:

Maximum size allowed is 4GB.
Recommended resolution is 1080×1080 pixels.
Recommended video formats are .MP4, .MOV or GIF.
Video length for vertical videos is 1 to 90 seconds.
Aspect ratio should be 9:16.
Frame rate is 23-60 fps.

Instagram reels

A reel on Instagram is a short video feature (15-60 seconds) that allows users to create and share creative videos with music, text, and effects.

Reels appear on a dedicated tab and the Explore page, making it easy for users to discover and interact with new content. It’s a fun and creative way to connect with others on the platform.

Your Instagram Reels should have dimensions of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels.
Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds in length.
The ideal resolution for your Reel should be 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels.
The size of your Instagram Reel should have an aspect ratio of 9:16.
Cover photo size could be 420p x 654p.

TikTok video specs

TikTok has taken the social media world by storm, leaving many marketers scrambling to keep up with its latest trends and strategies. But don’t worry – with its user-friendly platform and emphasis on easy video creation and sharing, TikTok is the perfect place to get started with video marketing. With the help of TikTok video downloader, you can also download TikTok videos for free.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, TikTok offers endless opportunities to create engaging video content and connect with your audience. The possibilities are endless, with a range of trends and challenges to inspire your creativity.

TikTok organic videos

Regarding video specs, TikTok keeps things simple with mobile-friendly dimensions, making it easy to create and edit videos on the go.

Plus, if you’re repurposing video content from other sources, you’ll be glad to know that TikTok allows longer videos (up to 60 seconds) when uploaded from external sources.

Guidelines:

The recommended resolution is 1080×1920.
Recommended aspect ratio is 9:16 to fill a standard mobile phone screen. Alternatively, a 1:1 aspect ratio with letter boxing is also acceptable.
Video length when recorded in-app is 3 minutes and 10 minutes when uploaded from your device.
Note: However, when recorded in-app, the video can be split into four sections of 15 seconds each. For videos uploaded from another source, the length can exceed 60 seconds.
Maximum file size allowed is 72MB (Android users) and 278.6MB (iOS users).
Recommended video formats are MP4 or MOV.
Frame rate is 23-60 fps.

TikTok feed ads

TikTok ads are a hot new opportunity that you won’t want to miss!

With in-feed options that blend seamlessly with organic content, TikTok ads provide a unique chance to engage with users in a fun, creative way.

And to make the most of this exciting new platform, be sure to check out TikTok’s business center for the latest tips and insights on optimizing your ad content.

Guidelines:

Minimum resolution is 540×960. Additionally, resolutions of 640×640 or 960×540 are also accepted.
Aspect ratio options are 9:16, 1:1, and 16:9.
The video length must be between 5-60 seconds.
The maximum file size allowed is 500MB.
Bitrate minimum is 516 kbps.
Ad description character limits are 1-1000 Latin characters or 1-50 Asian characters.
Video formats are .MP4, .MOV, .MPEG, .3GP, and .AVI.

X (Twitter) video specs

Valued at $16 billion, X (Twitter) is a widely used social media platform to share content ideas and connect with people from all walks of life. Its popularity is particularly high in the sports and entertainment industry.

For marketers, the goal is to capture user attention and generate leads. Twitter is optimized for videos captured in unique ways, such as on a mobile device.

X (Twitter) landscape & portrait videos

X (Twitter) users, listen up! When it comes to posting videos on X (Twitter), you have two options: landscape or portrait.

Guidelines:

Recommended video codec: H264 High Profile.
Recommended frame rates: 30 FPS, 60 FPS.
Recommended video resolution: 1280×720 (landscape), 720×1280 (portrait), 720×720 (square).
Recommended minimum video bitrate: 5,000 kbps.
Recommended minimum audio bitrate: 128 kbps.
Recommended aspect ratio: 16:9 (landscape or portrait), 1:1 (square).
File size must not exceed 512 MB.
Duration must be between 0.5 seconds and 140 seconds.
Maximum count: 280 characters.

X (Twitter) videos ad specs

Ready to take your X (Twitter) video game to the next level?

If you’re thinking of promoting your video through paid ads, here’s some great news: you can use the same exact formats as your organic videos!

It’s important to stick to the same specifications for both organic and paid videos to maximize visibility and attract more eyeballs.

Snapchat video specs

Snapchat has an estimated 293 million daily users and a whopping 300+ million monthly users. With its popularity soaring among younger audiences, it’s a fantastic platform to unleash your video marketing prowess.

But before you start, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of. Here’s everything you need to know about the media content guidelines on Snapchat.

10-second single video

If you’re on this particular channel, you’ll know that this video format is the most common way users communicate with each other through the app.

But did you know that your business can also post videos to its story, giving others a sneak peek into what your brand is up to?

All you need to do is follow these specifications:

Maximum file size that is allowed for the video is 1 GB.
The video dimensions should be 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels height.
Recommended supported formats are .MP4 and .MOV.
The duration of the video, should be between 3 and 180 seconds (or 3 minutes).
Video should be either 9:16 (for portrait orientation) or 16:9 (for landscape orientation).

Learn more about how to get the most out of Snapchat Marketing.

Long-form video ads

Looking to make a splash with your video ads on Snapchat?

The platform currently offers one main video format, the long-form video ad, which plays in between viewing users’ Stories. While there are partner opportunities to put videos within Snapchat’s discovery option, most dimensions remain the same.

Guidelines:

Recommended dimensions are 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels tall.
Aspect ratio should be either 9:16 (for portrait orientation) or 16:9 (for a landscape orientation).
Maximum size of the video file that can be uploaded is 1GB.
Acceptable video formats are .MP4 and .MOV.
Video length is 3 to 180 seconds.

YouTube video specs

YouTube is a powerhouse when it comes to video content. But to make sure your videos are seen and heard, you need to follow certain video specifications.

If you want to keep your audience engaged, your video should have a compelling title, a descriptive and concise description, and relevant tags.

With over 5 billion monthly active users and over 1 billion hours of videos watched daily, YouTube is a platform that can help you reach a vast audience with your content.

So, paying attention to the recommended video specifications can make a big difference in how your content is received by viewers.

Standard YouTube video

Standard YouTube video refers to the default format used for videos uploaded to the YouTube platform. This format typically includes video and audio content, as well as metadata such as video title, description, tags, and thumbnail image.

Standard YouTube videos can be viewed by anyone with internet access, and they can also be shared or embedded on other websites.

Guidelines:

Recommended resolutions are 7680×4320 [4320p (8k)], 3840×2160 [2160p (4K)], 2560×1440 [1440p (2k)], 1920×1080 [1080p (HD)], 1280×720 [720p (HD)], 854×480 [480p (SD)], 640×360 [360p (SD)], 426×240 [240p (SD)].
Accepted formats for video are MOV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG4, MP4, MPG, AVI, WMV, MPEGPS, FLV, 3GPP, WebM, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm, & HEVC.
Maximum length could be 12 hours.
The aspect ratio is 16:9.
Framerate is 24, 25 or 30 fps.

YouTube video ads specs

Skippable video ad: Viewers are allowed to skip ads after 5 seconds. This ad can be inserted before, during, or after the main video. If you turn on this option, you may see a combination of skippable and bumper ads play back to back. Advertisers use this to monetize views.

Non-skippable video ad: These video ads (for 15 seconds) must be watched before users can start their video. These ads can appear before, during, or after the main video.

Bumper video ads: These are non-skippable video ads that are played before the content. Usually consists of 6 seconds, which are optimized for mobile views. If you turn on this option, you may see a combination of skippable and bumper ads play back to back.

Mid-roll video ad: You can enable ads during YouTube videos that are 10 minutes or longer. These are skippable videos, but users must watch 30 seconds or the entire ad (whichever is shorter). By default, mid-roll video ads are placed with natural breaks in your videos to balance viewer experience and monetization potential for you. Depending on the device you’re using, your ad experience varies. For instance, on the desktop, viewers get a 5-second countdown before a mid-roll advertisement appears.

Guidelines:

Recommended dimensions: 426 x 240 (240p), 640 x 360 (360p), 854 x 480 (480p),1280 x 720 (720p), 1920 x 1080 (1080p), 2560 x 1440 (1440p), and 3840 x 2160 (2160p).
The aspect ratio should be 16:9, and if it’s 4:3, pillarboxing will be added automatically.
The maximum file size allowed is 128GB or 12 hours, whichever is less.
The accepted video formats include: .MOV, .MPEG4, MP4, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, 3GPP, and WebM.
The skippable video length maximum is 6 minutes, and it can be skipped after 5 seconds.
The non-skippable video length maximum is 15 or 20 seconds, depending on the region (30 seconds in some regions).
The minimum length allowed for mid-roll videos is 30 seconds.
The maximum length allowed for bumper videos is 6 seconds.

Youtube display ads

Imagine you’re watching a fascinating video on YouTube, and suddenly, you notice something on the right side of the screen that catches your attention. That’s a YouTube display ad!

They appear to the right of the main video you’re watching or above the list of suggested videos.

Guidelines:

Maximum size for the Static Image is 128GB.
Dimensions are 300 x 250 (Larger side view), or 300 x 60 (Smaller).
Resolution should be 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, and 2160p.
Recommended formats are .MOV, .MPEG4, MP4, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, 3GPP, and WebM.
Length should be 12 hours.
Aspect Ratio is 16:9.

YouTube shorts

Have you heard about YouTube shorts? It’s a new way to watch, create, and discover short-form videos that recently made its debut on the platform.
The best part? You can capture and edit your own Shorts right from your smartphone, or upload them through the standard upload process on your desktop or mobile device. It’s never been easier to unleash your creativity and share it with the world.
Why use Shorts, you ask? Well, people all over the world are loving short-form videos, and using Shorts can help you reach even wider audiences with your content.

Whether you want to entertain, educate, or just make people feel good, Shorts are a fantastic new way to do it.

Guidelines:

Recommended resolutions are 4320×7680 [4320p (8k)], 2160×3840 [2160p (4K)], 1440×2560 [1440p (2k)], 1080×1920 [1080p (HD)], 720×1280 [720p (HD)], 480×854 [480p (SD)], 360×640 [360p (SD)], 240×426 [240p (SD)].
The aspect ratio should be 9:16 or 1.1.
The maximum length for a video is 60 seconds.
The accepted video formats include: MOV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG4, MP4, MPG, AVI, WMV, MPEGPS, FLV, 3GPP, WebM, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm, & HEVC.
The maximum character limit for the title is 100 characters.

LinkedIn video specs

LinkedIn has become the optimal platform for video marketing with video posts gaining 300 million impressions in just one year.

78% of video marketers plan to include videos on their LinkedIn effective marketing strategy. The platform’s professional audience is ideal for showcasing your expertise and building your brand.

P.S. We have just the right tool for you if you’re looking for a free LinkedIn video downloader!

Related: Best time to post on LinkedIn

Shared video

LinkedIn has specific requirements for the format of video content that can be uploaded to their platform.

Guideline:
- The aspect ratio range allowed is 1:2.4 to 2.4:1.
- Recommended video resolutions are 256×144 (min) and 4096×2304 (max).
- The maximum file size allowed is 5GB.
- The following video formats are accepted: .AAC, .ASF, .FLV, .MP3, .MP4, .MPEG-1, .MPEG-4, .MKV, .WebM.
- The minimum video length allowed is 3 seconds, and the maximum video length allowed is 10 minutes.
- The maximum frame rate allowed is 60fps.

Video ads

LinkedIn’s B2B targeting feature allows marketers and brands to promote their content and pages to a highly specific audience, based on traits like job title, seniority, company name, and industry.

Video content is an effective way to engage with this audience and showcase your brand or products.

Required dimensions:

Landscape video: Minimum: 640 x 360, maximum: 1920 x 1080.
Square video: Minimum: 360 x 360, maximum: 1920 x 1920.
Vertical video: Minimum: 360 x 640, maximum: 1080 x 1920.

Aspect ratios:

Landscape: 16:9.
Square: 1:1.
Vertical: 9:16.
The maximum file size allowed is 200 MB.
The accepted video format is .MP4.
The maximum video length allowed is 30 minutes, although LinkedIn’s guidelines state most ads perform best at around 15 seconds.
The frame rate must be less than 30fps.

Pinterest video specs

Get ready to dive into a world of inspiration and creativity! Pinterest is the ultimate platform for aesthetically pleasing and visually stunning content. It’s the perfect place to discover new ideas and creative concepts, all in one convenient online pinboard.

And now, with the rise of video marketing, Pinterest is taking things to the next level. With a user base of over 450 million people, video content on Pinterest is becoming increasingly popular.

With both standard-width and max-width video formats available, Pinterest offers a range of options for creating visually engaging content.

Shared video

By sharing videos on Pinterest, you can increase traffic to your website and drive engagement with your brand.

Whether you’re showcasing your products, sharing your expertise, or simply entertaining your audience, video content is a powerful tool for building your brand and reaching new customers.

Guidelines:

Standard video recommended aspect ratio is 1:1 (square) or 2:3, 4:5, or 9:16 (vertical).
Max width video required aspect ratio is 1:1 (square) or 16:9 (widescreen).
The maximum file size allowed is 2GB.
Acceptable video formats are .MP4 and .MOV.
The video duration must be between 4 seconds to 15 minutes. For ads, the platform notes that 6-15 seconds are optimal.

Character limits:

Title: Up to 100 characters.
Description: Up to 500 characters.

Promoted Pinterest video

There are two video formats for Pinterest promoted videos: square, and vertical. Advertisers can select their preferable style in Ads Manager.

Specifications or requirements for the promoted video are the same as the shared video.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the most important takeaway from this blog post is that understanding and maintaining social media video specs are essential components in developing a successful social media marketing strategy.

Effective videos often involve precise formatting and lengths to make sure your message is being portrayed correctly. Without acquiring and abiding by good video specification guidelines, you’re compromising your video’s quality and success – making it virtually impossible to benefit from its potential.

With ContentStudio (one of the best social media management tools out there), you can easily compose, upload, schedule, plan and automate your marketing across multiple social media networks from one dashboard. Try it free today.

FAQs

What is the standard video size for social media?

The standard video size for social media varies across platforms, but commonly used dimensions include 1080×1920 (vertical), 1920×1080 (horizontal), and 1080×1080 (square).

What is the best video format for social media?

The best video format for social media is typically MP4 due to its widespread compatibility, efficient compression, and high-quality playback across various devices and platforms.

Is 1920×1080 good for Facebook post?

Yes, 1920×1080 is an ideal resolution for Facebook posts as it aligns with the platform’s recommended aspect ratio and provides high-quality viewing on both desktop and mobile devices.

What is the bitrate for social media video?

The bitrate for social media video can vary depending on factors such as resolution and platform requirements. However, a common recommendation is to use a bitrate of 2,500 to 4,000 kbps for HD video (720p or 1080p) to ensure optimal quality and efficient streaming.